The Charleston Area Alliance today announced that Spilman Thomas and Battle, PLLC will be the title sponsor of the organization's trade mission to China in April 2010.

The sponsorship is one component of the firm's major contribution to the Alliance's "Return on Investment" campaign to sustain and expand the Alliance's efforts to attract and retain jobs, invest in people and enhance our community.

Spilman Thomas & Battle, one of the region's largest law firms with 125 attorneys in four states, will present four expert-led seminars for participants of the business mission and cultural tour of China and a number of firm representatives will join the 10-day trip. Upcoming seminars will focus on:

• Chinese culture
• Chinese business practices
• Basic Chinese language skill
• Traveling in China: What You Need to Know

The registration deadline for the trip is Dec. 15.

"Spilman Thomas & Battle understands Charleston and West Virginia must join the worldwide marketplace to have successful economies in the 21st century," said Alliance President and CEO Matt Ballard. "The trade mission to China is designed to connect local business people with business leaders halfway across the globe, identify new markets and increase exports from West Virginia. We applaud Spilman for supporting these efforts."

"Spilman Thomas & Battle has represented the interests of a wide-array of international clients with legal issues in the mid-Atlantic region encompassing West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. By sponsoring and participating in the Alliance's upcoming trade mission to China, we are taking this 'world is flat ' approach to the next level and assisting like-minded businesses toward exploring and connecting to opportunities in the world's most aggressive economy," said Managing Partner Mike Basile.

The nine-day, all-inclusive trip runs from April 16 to 24. The cost is $2,299 per person for Alliance members and $2,699 per person for future members. The deadline to register is Dec. 15. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a once-in-in-a-lifetime price," Ballard said. "A cultural tour track also is available for spouses or for those who want to experience the wonders of China."

For more details about the China trade mission, contact Jeri Adkins at JAdkins@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (304) 340-4253.

Please be aware that news update is published with the understanding that the author, publisher and distributor are not rendering legal or other professional advice on specific facts or matters, and, accordingly, assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use.

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Spilman Thomas & Battle is a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys. Founded in 1864, Spilman has offices in Charleston, Morgantown and Wheeling, West Virginia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia.